Energy and Climate Change

The IEA has started a new regional technology study that helps determine the best way to make the Nordic region carbon-neutral by 2050. According to the research, around 3,000 offshore wind turbines will need to be in use in the region in order for success.

After Tennessee Valley Authority was found liable for a massive coal ash spill, landowners this year will have to hire their own attorneys to press their individual claims. The larger question is whether facilities like the Kingston plant, with their inherent dangers to climate, waterways, and communities, are part of our continuing energy future.

Engineers Without Borders USA (EWB-USA), a non-profit humanitarian organization, and MWH Global, a strategic consulting, technical engineering and construction services firm leading the wet infrastructure sector, launched a new partnership to improve the lives of people around the world.

Cranfield University has developed a new approach for calculating the potential renewable energy acquired from waste material, before incineration, which could save time and money for the energy and waste industries.

The Kulluk drillship remained aground Jan. 5 on the southeast shoreline of Sitkalidak Island, Alaska, upright and stable, and Shell has received a state permit to move it, the Unified Command reported.

Pennsylvania’s DEP will be introducing a new “DEP at Home” exhibit at the 97th Pennsylvania Farm Show in the Main Hall of the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg from Jan. 5 to 12.

According to a recent study conducted by the Worldwatch Institute for its Vital Signs Online service, oil is still the leading energy source around the globe but the use of coal and natural gas continues to grow in significance.

The Maine DEP will be holding a public hearing within the next few months, regarding the proposal on a wind project by Champlain Wind. The department will also be accepting petitions for the intervener’s status in that hearing process through Jan. 7, 2013.

The state's Department of Conservation says the draft does not begin a formal rulemaking process. It would require "rigorous" testing before, during, and after fracking operations that exceed what other states have implemented.

The ACC has announced the release of the IHS Global Insight study, which has found that state economies across the nation will have access to ample and affordable supplies of shale gas and unconventional oil.

First Wind and Avista have begun commercial operations at the Palouse Wind Project in Eastern Washington. First Wind will also complete $50 million tax equity financing with Cook Inlet Region, Inc. for the 105 MW wind project.

The housing authority in Columbia, South Carolina has entered into an energy performance contract with Ameresco. The contract will help upgrade CHA housing units, which is expected to save over $6.5 million in energy costs and improve the quality of life for its residents.